The Joker and the Thief in the night

[Ninja]

Isaac gave Evelyn a quick sideways glance, wondering what she thought of the curious pair before them, he had always himself had a particular fondness for Benjamin, this after all was the man who provided him with such fine instruments of death, yet the same could not be said for Elmer.
"Age has not yet gotten the better of my memory so as to not remember you Lord Creighton, as I remind you every time you ask."

"You see!" Benjamin shoulder barged Elmer, giving the man a look of impatience. "Yet again you insult him with your insistent complaining."

"I will have you know." Creighton now fully turned towards Benjamin, his hands firmly pressed on his hips. "That I was merely being polite, it isn't as if the man see's me every day."

Benjamin who was up to that point rolling his eyes as he looked at Isaac now himself turned to fully face Elmer, the two beginning to look like two birds about to engage in some type of combat, or courtship, Isaac couldn't decide which as he gave Evelyn a sideways glance.

"And what the dickens is that suppose to mean."

"Well I merely meant that you are clearly the favourite since I rarely see the man,"

"And is it any wonder with your pompousness Creighton, I..."

Isaac cleared his throat slightly, interrupting the pair as their eyes slowly settled on him.

"I hate to interrupt you fine gentlemen from your conversation, but I believe you wanted to know about the weapon Sir Addicott"

"Ah yes, the hand cannon." He turned back to Isaac, rubbing his hands together in glee as Elmer could be seen rolling his eyes. "Tell me boy, was it to your satisfaction."

"Your craftsmanship really out did itself this time, there is however a few modifications I wished to discuss with you." Isaac glanced over to Evelyn, her radiant beauty still taking his breath away, something he would need to put some thought into later. "This shall only take a minute or two if you'd like to get us something to drink?"

"Excellent idea." Benjamin pulled out a note pad and pen before he and Isaac took a few steps away, Lord Addicott in tow. The sound of Benjamin could be heard attempting to shoo Addicott away as Evelyn suddenly found herself alone for the first time that evening.

The sound of conversation and music filled the air, the occasional tinkling of glasses or the odd raised voice the only thing to break the monotonous drone. Yet as Evelyn became separated from Isaac, his back turned for a moment as he leaned towards Benjamin, the sound around her began to become muffled, subtly at first but then more noticeably so as she glanced around the room.

The sound began to dim further, until only the sound of footsteps, heels, tapping, tap, tap along the wooden floor towards her. A figure approaching, heels still tapping, the room now so silent that even her own breathing could be heard mixing with the steps. As the figure approached it became clear it was a feminine shape, a woman perhaps, though her head was cloaked and looking down, heavy dark clothing draped the entire length of her body, her hands hidden within the dark openings. The figure walked right up to Evelyn, before hands emerged, each covered in tattoos, spots running up the lengths of each finger, black patterns covering almost all of the smooth pale skin. They reached up, pulling back the cloak, in an instant as it became clear there was no face, only darkness under the cloak, that same darkness erupting out all around Evelyn casting away any and all light.

The party vanished, those around her lost within the blackness, as if they were all just ink spiralling and fading out in a jar of water, even the figure before her gone, only silence and ever lasting blackness surrounded her now. A voice billowed from the depth's, no source or direction, as if the voice was coming from all around or from Evelyn herself.

"She who should never be, becomes she who lasts forever."

The voice began as a whisper, repeating as it built in strength, repeating quicker and quicker.

"She who should never be, becomes she who lasts forever."

The voice building until it becomes a scream, louder and sharper, a scream so high it begins to cause pain, until it stops as suddenly as it began.

The voice returns, again as whisper, appearing to come from nowhere and yet everywhere at the same time.

"You are the one to be feared, the one to be punished, you shall be punished."

 

[Olive Tome]

The two elderly men bickering as if they had been married for years brought a smile upon her pale features. Then, Isaac looked over at her, a twinkle in his eyes. What had happened to make him appear so warm and friendly to her? Thoughts of their bickering in the carriage came back to her mind. “I shall get us drinks,” the redhead spoke simply as she watched the men turn away from her.

Now she had finally gotten her chance. The smile widened into a grin as she looked around for her first target. Perhaps the woman with the shiny gold bracelet? Or the young man’s thick wallet in the back of his trousers. So many choices, she thought as the sounds around her became less clear and faint. Once the sounds of heels clicking became prominent her eyebrows furrowed as she turned towards the sound. A woman and more importantly, she is the only other person in the room. What happened? Did everyone leave the party? How? Nothing made sense to the huntress as the women came ever closer. The necklace around Evelyn’s neck began to faintly glow.

Wait, it’s glowing?

The woman was suddenly in front of her and Evelyn stood completely still, frozen in confusion as the woman’s hands reached up from under the thick cloak and hood. Tattooed symbols that must have belonged to some sort of magic culture. If only Evelyn could get a good look before the woman lifted her hood. Nothing. Just darkness that soon filled the room. Steps backwards, Evelyn looked around as the room became nothing. No room, no people, no light. Except for the light coming from the jeweled necklace. That concerned her but was the least of her problems at the moment.

Did I just die? Evelyn thought thinking of how to comprehend what was going on. Maybe Isaac shot you in the head. No, he would not do such a thing. He is sweet and kind. Okay, not him but perhaps someone else? There would have been a bang. Evelyn bit her thumb as she thought deeply. Possibly not dead but something was going on, and she had to find out what was happening, and soon.

As the voice began to speak, filling her ears yet came from no point in particular. Words of how she should not have been but is now forever. That confused Evelyn until it repeated so loud and fast she held her ears in pain until it finally stopped. Deafening silence soon came until it spoke again. This time about how she was feared but needed to be punished. That she would be.

Not the type to back down, Evelyn lifted her chin and tried to hide fear behind a smile. “I am mortal. Mortals do not live forever, so I am afraid you have the wrong girl. I do not and will not live forever, as that is not human.” Then she narrowed her eyes, voice growing darker almost predatory in nature with adrenaline now pumping through her veins out of the fear response. “However, you should fear me. Quit being a coward and face me.”

 

[Ninja]

A wisp of smoke began to circle Evelyn, fading in and out of the inky blackness, it's shape twisting and turning as bright flashes of lightning raced across it.

"She who should never be, becomes she who lasts forever."

The thin shrill voice cried out once more, seemingly ignoring Evelyn's response, it's high pitch tone ringing all around her.

"But to last she must survive."

A crack of thunder billowed deep within the blackness, the sound rolling all around her before the wisp appeared to change from continuously circling her, flicking her to vanish into the darkness.

All in an instance the wisp shot out from the black towards Evelyn's face, lightning like tentacles spreading out from all sides, the sound of crackling filling the air as it began to change shape.

"She will not survive!"

A figure suddenly emerged as if the cloud itself had transformed into the cloaked woman, her face now visible, a woman's face covered in those same tattoos from earlier, eyes black as night. She had great speed, her hand with it's razor like claws fading into existence as it bore down on Evelyn's face, so fast she barely had time to flinch.

A blinding green flash appeared as the woman's fingers were about to claw at her face, a green glow flashed over Evelyn, like a bubble covering her body. The impact appeared to hurt the woman, her hand bouncing back, the deafening shrieking sound pain filled cries in the air. In an instant the figured began to fade away, back into the lightning filled wisp, shooting back away from Evelyn, the darkness being pulled along with it, like a veil being lifted as it shot away from her.

The sounds began to return, colour filling the world around her, music, voices, the voice of Isaac suddenly filling the air.

"Evelyn... hello, hey are you okay... Evelyn?" The sound of Isaac's confused voice who was suddenly stood behind her, a dimming green glow beginning to fade back into the necklace jewel.
"Seriously, is everything alright?"

 

[Olive Tome]

With not enough time to fight back, it almost became inevitable that she would be harmed, if not worse. Yet, the emerald-like glow of the necklace became blinding as the woman was mere inches away. Painful screams but none of them Evelyn's. Her eyes were now closed waiting for pain yet they never came because of the necklace. That was what the redhead realised as she opened her eyes and touched the now faded glowing necklace.This protected me, I am never taking this off. Evelyn was still tense as she looked down at the necklace, the world suddenly coming back around her.

At least she was not dead. That was a good start.

The concerned voice of Isaac behind her brought Evelyn back to reality and soon emotion came over her. Anger. The cowardice woman tried to play mind games with her, that much was known. What was that word Leslie taught her in one of his fancy books? Sensory deprivation? Sounded about right to her.

First, she turned her head to look at Isaac over her shoulders, the concern was on his face as well as voice. “No, I am not fine.” Evelyn kept her face stone-like as she turned her body to face him. The glow still subtly there as it died. “Someone tried to play mind games with me. Attack me. They must still be here or else they could have done it earlier from anywhere.” She reasoned before promptly turning away from him and marching through the crowd. Quickly moving past people as she looked around frantically. Eyes looking for the woman like a cat stalked a mouse. Yet this mouse was dangerous and Evelyn knew that, but she was not the only dangerous one.

Evelyn would find the coward. If to last she must survive Evelyn planned on doing more than just survive, she would live.

 

[Ninja]

His eyes narrowed, deep lines forming on his brow as he focused for a moment on the fading green hue set inside the Egyptian emerald. Even before he had spoken to Sun Chi, Isaac had a hunch that a Seer had been involved somehow. The serpent's skin had been a small clue, dark magical energy or at least remnants of that energy had flowed through it, on it's own it would of been an oddity. Then there was the speed at which the Order had appeared to learn of what had happened, even with their spies it had appeared as if someone had known of what would transpire rather than after the events themselves. The final piece had come in the tunnel, the golem, the guardian of the tunnel, it's attack was devastating and impossible. It still struck Isaac with fear to believe that dark magical energy was on the loose powerful enough to turn such creations against their masters and so easily too, yet even so it had still been a hunch, one in which Isaac was now grateful for being right on.

The necklace was indeed Egyptian, created by Amenhotep to ward off the prying eyes of his enemies seers, it had once helped a ruler build an empire, but in Isaac only cared that it had protected Evelyn when she needed it most. He began hurrying after her as she begun charging through the crowds, her dress flowing elegantly behind her.
"Evelyn!"

He shouted out to her, while simultaneously apologising to those left in her wake.
"Pardon me, apologies, sorry, Evelyn stop!"

He caught up to her finally, his hand gently grabbing her by the elbow to bring her around to look at him, he could see the fury in her eyes, the sheer rage across her face.
"A seer doesn't have to be here."

He could see her looking around at the faces now focused on her, people all staring, Isaac turned to look at them all, a moment of anger entering his mind.
"Go back to your damn party, there is nothing to see here."

His eyes, returned on her, his hand gently moving from her elbow to her cheek.
"Hey, a seer can use anyone as a mirror Evelyn, they don't have to be here, talk to me, what happened?."

 

[Olive Tome]

Blind rage filled the woman to the brim as she continues her path through the crowd. Once in a whiling bumping into someone while she looked everyone in the face. She must still be here, that coward has to still be here.

A hand grabbed her elbow, which made her heart skip. Evelyn immediately turned to face the person. Rage built up in her eyes as they settled on Isaac. Why was he stopping her? They needed to find her before the woman made her escape. He was wasting precious time. Yet, instead, he insisted that the woman was no longer there, which only made the redhead more upset. The coward cannot get away after pulling those idiotic stunts on her. However, all that paled in comparison to Evelyn seeings dozens of eyes on her. All judging her like wolves to a sheep. Face turned red as she was about ready to yell at them. They were the sheep, not her. Isaac beat her to it and managed to get them all to go back to their own business. As if she needed help, who did he think he was?

Evelyn looked back at him, eyes still full of burning rage, ready to tell him that this woman must still be at the party. With a look of shock, Evelyn watched as his hand went to her cheek. Her eyes softened to his touch as she looked at him. A flutter in her chest and eyes glancing at his hand. All signs of something and that made Evelyn calm down and embarrassed at the same time.

“Right,” Evelyn began awkwardly as she looked back at him trying to refocus on the situation. “She who should never be becomes she who lasts forever but to last she must survive. That I am feared and need to be punished. This woman does not want me to survive. That is what she said over and over again. I.. I must admit I do not understand.” Evelyn looked around again, trying one last time to see if she could spot the coward. No luck.

However, her eyes did land on something. A man on the top of the stairs, looking down at everyone. He wore the most extravagant clothing that seemed excessive even for the party’s standards. He looked through his glasses at the crowd, as if looking down on the masses. He made a hand motion and the music stopped as did the voices soon after. A wide smile appeared on his face. “Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank you all for coming to my little get together. I know it has been a while since I last hosted a party, but I felt I would celebrate this occasion.” He spoke as he made his way down the stairs, a glass in hand with red wine. “For I am on the brink of a discovery of a lifetime. So tonight, I want us all to have fun. Cheers to good health and a wild night.” He grinned as he lifted his glass, many others followed suit before they all drank.

What a weird way to join a party, Evelyn thought. The music began soon afterwards.

 

[Ninja]

Somewhere in the peripheral vision of Isaac's mind he was aware of a man, perhaps the good Dr Jekyll himself, announcing his presence to the room. Yet Isaac's mind was elsewhere, his conscious and subconscious thoughts dedicated to processing the word's Evelyn had told him.
'She who should never be, becomes she who lasts forever, but to last she must survive...' The word's trailed off in his head before restarting 'She who should never be.' His minds eye became fixed on these words, 'Evelyn shouldn't exist?' he pushed that thought out of his mind, no that wasn't it, 'Perhaps she is an oddity in an equation, a disruption to some plan?' His mind filed this particular thought away before something in his subconscious pushed forward into his conscious mind.
'To reflect a seers thoughts, requires a willing host.' A sudden realisation fell upon Isaac, Evelyn was in danger, but as long as she wore the necklace she should be safe, but his mind... 'Ah crap'

"Evelyn we need to go, now!"
He reached out to her, his hand grasping at blackness, the sound's around him becoming muffled and distant.
"Not good"
He heard his word's yet he did not speak them, they were coming from his mind, where a second voice now joined his.

"She will be punished." The woman's voice seemed to bellow in his mind, her words sharp, as if each was cutting through his skull.
"You cannot save her..." A vision flashed into his minds eye, the blackness suddenly replaced by a memory so vivid he felt he was living it. His hand was outstretched as he lay on the ground, he was reaching for a woman with long red flowing hair. She smiled down at him, no, not a smile, she was talking he could see that now, he tried to focus on her lips as the flames began to dance all around her, tried to see what she was telling him as a scream echoed. He tried to get up, he felt a weight crushing down on him, he could tell now that it was his screams, he tried to see the woman again through the flames but she was gone, replaced by a hooded figure, once more the voice filling his mind.
"You cannot save her..."
Anger began to fill him, he let, focusing it, channelling the rage into a single projecting thought towards the presence that shared his mind.
"She will save herself, but nobody will save you!"
He could feel the presence clawing at his mind as he pushed it out, yet in it's weakness he also felt more, like he could see it's thoughts as it fought to remain in his mind. He peered into it, pushing harder, forcing it out until his thoughts started to gather clarity, the world around him beginning to return, shapes becoming figures, grey becoming colour as he reached out for Evelyn.

"Evelyn, we need to go, now!"

 

[Olive Tome]

Glassing clinked and laughter could be heard as the party went on. Evelyn, however, was focused on Isaac who appeared to be acting strangely. Worry crept over the redhead as she watched glazed eyes dart around while he stayed almost motionless. Did what happen to her earlier happen to him as well? Evelyn pondered the thought as she reached her right hand out and gently shake his shoulder. Nothing.

Not a moment longer of waiting went by as Isaac appeared to have come back to reality. His hand reaching out to her as he spoke. The words made her heart sink. Leave? “We are running from a coward with a single trick up their sleeves?” Evelyn did not want to leave as she felt so close to finding out something or finding the person responsible. Never running away from a fight especially when it came to a coward. The look on his face changed her mind for once in her life. A look of urgency in his voice that even made Evelyn understand. He was in danger here.

Evelyn sighed in defeat as her hand grabbed his reaching arm. Her expression not even hiding the disappointment she felt. “Then let us make haste, Isaac before they rear their ugly head once more.” She pulled slightly before making her way through the coward. Her grey eyes catching Victoria talking to Jekyll, then Evelyn remembers her promise. It would appear Evelyn would not be able to keep up her end of the bargain and would leave this amazing opportunity with no items hidden on her person. Yet, somehow, this felt more important. Even if it was just to get Isaac out of danger.

Pushing past crowds of happy guests, Evelyn found the doors that were the same ones they entered the party with. She stopped briefly to look back at Isaac. “Are you going to be alright?”

 

[Ninja]

'Why do I keep having that same vision' Isaac pondered as he moved through the crowds of people, Evelyn was just ahead of him, her elbows strangely appearing to almost double her width as she gave no qualms about pushing through the crowds. He could feel the presence keep pushing to get into his mind, but with every moment he was becoming more skills at keeping her at bay, his mind crafting walls built of random thoughts to loose her in. He was so distracted by the little war in his mind that he almost stepped over Evelyn who had suddenly stopped before him, it took Isaac a moment to realise why.

A man and a woman had stepped directly in their path to the exit, the man Isaac recognised as Jean Clair, he was a wealthy French count who liked power almost as much as his duty to the Order, which worked well for him considering he was one of the Council members. The woman however was a mystery, her uniform was one he did not recognise yet the fact she wore it at all probably meant she wasn't at the party to mingle. Her hair was short, her face had a softness too it that showed off her feminine features, but was at a distinct odds to the aggressive posture and look she wore. Immediately Isaac sensed trouble as he stepped to Evelyn's side, there was something about the way the woman stood, or perhaps it was the two goons who now stepped up behind her that gave it away.
"Ah Isaac, so good of you to join us, I see you successfully apprehended the one who is apparently going to doom us all." Jean with his smooth white face that seemed to have been smothered in some type of makeup made a gesturing smile to the woman beside him, her own expression seemed to offer only a bored indifference to the situation.
"Perhaps this is a wolf as they say in sheep's clothing." He appeared to be amused by his own humour as his gaze returned to Isaac.
"Well done on bringing her to us, Ada please quietly take this thing from my sights so I can speak without feeling it's eyes on me."

Isaac could sense Evelyn's rage almost before he realised he had already stepped between her and the two in front of them, he turned slowly to look Evelyn directly in the eyes, his silent gaze attempting to send her a message before his eyes wandered up to the balcony on the wall where Jekyll had made his earlier appearance. It took Isaac just a moment to relay what he hoped Evelyn would understand before turning back to face them both. He had deliberately positioned Evelyn directly behind him, a move the count had not failed to notice.
"I apologise for the confusion Count Clair, but you will not be taking Lady Blumenstein anywhere." Isaac's hands were behind his back, but he was signalling with his fingers to Evelyn, one hand was pointing towards the balcony, which sat high on the wall, the second was slowly counting down from five.

Jean's face became more serious, wrinkles forming in the powdered creases of his face, the woman, Ada, still gave no emotion, she simply seemed to be watching the incident play out.
"Evelyn is under my protection, I cannot simply hand her over without knowing why she is wanted."
Isaac was now showing four fingers to Evelyn.

"Remember your place Isaac." The count was now raising his voice, clearly he did not expect to be challenged on this. "She is to be removed this instance, Ada I gave you an order."

The woman lifted her hand as if to signal the two men behind her, she paused briefly as Isaac raised his left hand, the one he had been pointing with.
"Wait!"
His right hand was still counting down behind his back, now only three fingers showing.
"Surely in front of all these people you do not wish to cause a commotion, this could become such a messy business."

The count seemed to pause for a moment in thought, his eyes wandering around the room before returning to Isaac who was now showing two fingers behind his back. He took a moment longer to think before nodding to the two men to continue. Isaac's free hand was already slipping into his pocket returning with a handful of shiny capsules, as his free hand now counted down to one finger he tossed the capsule in front of them both letting all of them fan out in a wide pattern as they smashed into the floor.
Ada seemed to respond almost instantly, her once crossed hands suddenly striking out towards Isaac, his right hand came up from his back to grab the woman's wrist deflecting it down and back towards her as smoke began to poor into the air from the several ruptured capsules. Within seconds their immediate area was filled with a thick dense smoke, having deflected the initial strike Isaac now quickly turned hoping he would see Evelyn running for the balcony.

 

[Olive Tome]

Grey eyes peered at the scene in front of her. Evelyn just wanted to go home and sleep for the first time in about a day and a half yet some Count thought they had the upper hand, the gall to call her it. This would appear to make her assumptions about the rich correct: they seemed to not know their place thinking that they were royalty. They were not. This man did have one thing correct, though. She was a wolf in sheep’s clothing, yet she liked to think of herself more like a dragon than a wolf. Hunters did not fear the wolf, but even knights and entire kingdoms feared dragons. Even Evelyn, however, knew better than to be cocking, these people were indeed a threat to her very life.

Too bad for them her life was nothing but fighting, and she has not lost yet as proven by her still being alive.

Isaac’s hand caught her eye and attention, pointing behind his back at something. Rubbing her neck, she casually looked at where he was pointing. A balcony. He wanted her to run? She wanted to fight, not run. First, he stood in front of her than this? Isaac must have seen her as a sheep if he was going to treat her like a delicate flower. Then again, what was the man to do when he spent who knows how long courting women that were nothing but she-devils disguised as flowers? The thought applied pressure to her chest.

When her eyes returned to the figures in front of Isaac, thoughts begun to desperately try to find a solution. Her arms crossing in front of her chest tightly as she thought. Grey orbs darting around. Attacking three against one would not work well for her, they looked skilled enough to take down an unarmed combatant. Clenching her jaw as everyone talked, Evelyn could feel the frustration come over her as she knew Isaac was right. She would need to be a coward and run away. Shame swept over her at the thought of running away. This was why she worked alone, no one to change her mind.

No stairs close by the balcony; they might have been protected if there were any. His fingers went down to three, counting down. Her eyes caught the shimmer of the candles that were on the chandelier above the large dinner table. It was one of three chandeliers that went down in a row across the ceiling in the middle of the room meant to light up the delicious food. All lined up with the balcony. Grey orbs followed them to the other side of the room. The columns that lined the walls in between the red draped windows. Evelyn had to fight from keeping a smile appearing on her face.

As the smoke filled the air, Evelyn knew it was time to strike. Quickly, she made her way past Isaac’s left but staying out of the smoke. People in the room started to gasp, stare and some even screamed. Evelyn ignored them, instead focusing on that grey smoke during those precious seconds to be sure no one in that smoke was coming after her. Then, she turned and made her way through the crowd of people. Someone yelled to get her and she knew it was the count but her mind was honed in on her target.The running was sluggish however thanks to the heels the redhead had been wearing. Grunting loudly, Evelyn stopped to take the heels off. As her pale hand took one heel off she saw someone rushing towards her, a man in a suit that must have known she was wanted. Her eyes narrowed as she tossed her heel at him, no good as she missed. With an angry sigh, she waiting for him to get close before shoving her single heeled foot into his nether regions. The man let out a strangled breath and bent over. Evelyn took the heel off and hit him across the face with it before dropping it and running towards the table.

With a glance behind her, Evelyn saw one of the two women’s goons chasing her. It only added to the chaos of women screamed and men either charged at her or held their dates closed. Evelyn shoved passed several groups towards the dining table. Her eyes caught the same woman from earlier, the one with the golden bracelet. Her eyes sparkled as she rammed into her, her arm grabbed the woman’s wrist before twirling her towards the chasing goon. A single yank released the bracelet from the woman's wrist as she went plummeting into the hired goon. That would slow him down.

Evelyn jumped onto the table and almost slipped on the chicken laid out on the table. Once catching her balance, Evelyn made a mad dash down the table. Knocking things over as she went. Champagne, food, glasses, and plates went crashing onto the ground as she ran down the table. Her storm-coloured eyes focusing on the crimson drapes at the very end that leads up to cover the window. Suddenly, a man got on the table in front of her, impeding her direct line of sight to her goal. Evelyn reached down and grabbed a wine bottle and charged towards the man. Once close she brought a hand up to block his oncoming punch, the pressure hurting her wrist slightly. Her other hand came down with the wine bottle and sashed it on his head. Red wine went everyone, mixing with the blood coming from the bald man’s head.

He moved, and she kept running only hindering her speed slightly. Please hold my weight, please hold my fucking weight.

As the end of the table approached, Evelyn sucked in a breath before launching herself off the table and onto the thick curtains. It held firm even with her weight pulling at it. The table and jump gave her enough leverage to make it so Evelyn had less of a distance to climb and made it significantly more difficult for someone to get her off. One hand after another, She pulled herself further up the drape as she looked behind at the closest of the three chandeliers. Once she lined herself up Evelyn pushed herself away from the wall with her legs and jumped towards the golden chandelier with her arms stretched out.

One hand caught the metal and the other hand fumbled to hold on but soon recovered. Sucking in more air, Evelyn did not dare to look down as she swung her legs creating momentum to swing to the next one and then the final one. The distance was too great to make it to the balcony from the last chandelier. Thus, Evelyn thought quickly to pull herself up onto the thin metal bars which thankfully held her weight. One her bare feet held firm on the metal Evelyn looked ahead at the balcony. It was a far shot but not impossible. Evelyn’s heart raced as she jumped off the chandelier and towards the balcony. The sound of her heart blocking out most sounds including her own scream as she watched the balcony ledge come closer and closer.

Hands caught the ledge and a grin appeared on her face as she swung her legs side to side until she could hoist herself up on the ledge and onto the other side of the balcony. Once standing upright and taking a sigh of relief, Evelyn looked back out at the disaster she had created. “Well,” Evelyn hollered out towards those who wanted to kill her. “I hope you lot are better at finding then you are at killing.” She gave a bow as if she was a man to taunt the crowd before disappearing into the doors behind her.

A part of her hoped Isaac was safe.

 

[Ninja]

He had to admit to himself, the acrobatic swiftness Evelyn had some how managed to achieve was impressive, even without the long unwieldy dress she wore. Yet as he watched her swing on the chandelier above he found himself having to defend against a quick attack from Ada, her hand slicing towards his throat in an attempt to catch him off guard, Isaac's own hand came up to block the challenge, the edges of their palms brutally clashing before Isaac twisted his wrist to grab her's. With her wrist firmly in his grip he began to pull her right arm away from her, forcing her back towards him where he could easily strike her down, yet it seemed as he quickly discovered, that she too was trained in hand to hand combat. Having realised her peril, she bent her arm, bring her front to face him while her left gripped his own wrist, she began to twist her body, his own weight beginning to shift under him as the momentum built up.

He decided against directly challenging this, lest he risk becoming further off footed, instead he dropped to one knee, he left hand now gripping at her closest knee before yanking it out from under her. She quickly began to fall, twisting herself in the air as she did so but also releasing her grip on his arm, Isaac quickly took advantage of this, now bring his left hand sweeping down hard against the woman's opposite leg. She quickly found herself tumbling to the ground as Isaac rolled back away from her and clear from any quick attacks.

"Enough!" Yelled the count who was just now beginning to get his bearings as the smoke began to dissipate.

Isaac quickly took the opportunity to look back towards the Chandelier, nothing and no Evelyn to be seen around, he hoped she made it

"This is outrageous, you are the ring bearer and I command you to stand down, do you have any idea what you have done!"

Isaac began to stand slowly, his eyes darting from Ada who was also beginning to get to her feet, to the count who was holding a hanky chief to his mouth.

"It was my understanding that the Order of Vali stood to protect people from the darkness." He turned fully as he stood tall to face the count who had the look of a scolded child. "Evelyn is certainly not a creature of the darkness."

"It is not for you to decide!" The count was raising his voice, his hands hitting his sides, Isaac could see the mans cheeks beginning to turn red with anger. "You are but a tool, you do not get to think!"

Isaac could see Ada beginning to tense, is eyes narrowed on her before quickly refocusing on the figures emerging from the smoke behind her.

"Oh, I see." Isaac muttered to himself, the smirk on Ada's face confirmed that she had merely intended to slow him down.

Six men now passed her and the count, each pulling a blade as they did so, the tips pointing precariously towards him as his hand reached for his blade instinctively.

"Ah." As his hand closed on nothing but air, the decision to come without it was perhaps not the best of ideas. He held his hands up to the slowly encroaching individuals.

"I don't suppose you gentlemen would like to surrender?"

He smiled, as the six of them all look between themselves before slowly spreading out to surround him.

"Remember that I gave you the option."

His senses went into overdrive, his hearing focused on the gentle footsteps of the three men behind him, the rustling of their clothing as one man began to raise his blade higher, the whooshing of the air as the blade began to slice through it, he quickly lent over to his right, the blade slicing past him on his left, his arm coming down to trap the mans hand against his body, rotating himself the opposite way to pull the blade clean from his hand.
Yet as it began to drop Isaac had no time to grab it, another slice in from the front, Isaac pulled up the first mans hand, letting the blade slice into it, the man screamed out in pain before dropping away clutching at his hand as the second one retracted the blade.

Isaac quickly dropped to a knee, grabbing the blade on the floor before rolling out of the circle through the hole he had created, he used his momentum to bring him back to his feet, allowing himself a brief sprint to the arch way leading out of the grand hall into an adjacent hall before turning. He did so just in time to deflect a blade being thrust towards him, the glistening metal of the two blades clanking as they clashed together. He twisted his wrist as the blades ground along each other, before pushing the attackers blade away. A second attacker quickly following, his blade swinging to slice across Isaac's chest. He kicked his legs forwards from under him, bringing them quickly up towards his chest as he began to fall before kicking them back out towards the rapidly approaching attacker.
As he swung his blade it swiped over Isaac missing him before receiving two feet to his own chest, Isaac kicked hard, the force blasting the man hard while projecting Isaac backwards through the air, he allowed his feet to swing up high, his free hand coming down to push off from the floor, allowing himself to cartwheel over, as he landed he pirouetted around rapidly, changing the momentum into running speed as he sprinted for the foot of the grand stair case.

He grabbed at the banister allowing his momentum to spring him up several stairs before turning to face his continued attackers. They were now down to four, lining up at the bottom of the stairs as he stood several steps above them, no longer did they have a confidence look about them.

"Care to reconsider gentlemen?" He didn't have long to wait for his answer before the four of them once more continued their attacks.
A lunge came in from his left, he deflected it to his right, into the path of another attacker making his pause his own attack. He stepped backwards, climbing the stairs as another attack came in, this time from his right, the man closest to the banister had attempted to flank Isaac, and now sensing he had the upper hand attempted to strike into his side. Isaac had however counted on it, quickly he threw his own blade up slightly, his left hand coming around to catch it mid air as his right hand came back around to whip past the attacking blade and grab at the mans wrist. This allowed Isaac to quickly deflect the mans lunge, allow it to cut across the front of his, his left hand now bringing his own blade down to strike it deep into the mans shoulder.

A scream of pain billowed from the mans lungs as he fell back towards the banister, Isaac still hold of the mans arm, now pushed him hard, grabbing at the mans blade and yanking it from his hand as he tumbled over dropping to the floor below. Another attack swiped in from below, Isaac now brought both blades down, crossing them like scissors to pin the blade to the stairs before leaping forward. His greater height advantage allowing him to cartwheel over the three men in front of him, landing behind them with his back to them he now thrust both swords backwards impaling two men, the blades slicing straight through them before withdrawing to let their now lifeless bodies drop past him tumbling past him down the stairs.
He turned slowly, the remaining man now had the advantage in height, yet the look on his face seemed to convey fear.

Isaac began to step forward slowly, the blades down by his sides, each dripping with crimson red as the man backed away slowly, the tip of his own blade pointing towards Isaac.

"You know, It's still not too late."

Isaac could see the man visibly shaken, he was looking around for options as he continued to back up the stairs, as Isaac continued to slowly match his pace, a sudden twitch in the mans hand signalled to Isaac when he was done retreating. He planted one foot forward, allowing his other foot to step back onto the step below, this dropped his height considerably letting the mans attack swipe over him, as he began to retract the blade so he could strike again, Isaac quickly followed with an attack of his own. First he pushed off with his back foot, this forced him back up allowing him to regain some height, second his right hand swept along with the mans attack, his blade clanking against the retreating one pinning it towards the wall, the final thrust came as Isaac left hand sliced the blade towards the mans throat.
It stopped, the tip pressing into the skin, the fine edge drawing blood but cutting no deeper, the man appeared to free, his eyes blinking down to look at the blade pressed against his throat.

"Their need not be any more killing today." Isaac said as the mans hands slowly opened to let his weapon drop as it tumbled down the stair case.

"Go." Isaac's eyes went from the man to the banister to his left, he got the hint and immediately threw himself over, falling to the floor with a thud, Isaac took a moment to look down at him, content that the man was moving before rushing to climb the rest of the stair case and vanishing into a door he hoped would lead to Evelyn.

 

[Olive Tome]

Doors smashed open as Evelyn ran through, quickly slamming them shut behind her. She looked around frantically to see she was in a laboratory. She hoped it would not move. In the light of a single dim candle on the middle table in the room, the redhead could see more of the room and clutter in more detail. Tables were everywhere and were cluttered beyond belief. Vials of different colours, giant containers being boiled and bubbling. Books lined the walls in their bookcases, eyes glinting as they looked upon them. It almost felt unreal to Evelyn as she stood there, getting her bearings. Looking to her right, a suit of armour besides the door gave her a fright for a split second before relaxing. It did not help that the suit was holding a broadsword and shield. Yet the sword was rusted and dull. Would not be useful in a fight. Wait, was that rust?

The sounds of fighting from the other end of the door brought the huntress crashing back to reality.

Evelyn grabbed the shield from the suit of armour and made her way further into the room, deciding that the sword would be no good in a fight. Looking on each table, trying to desperately find a useful weapon. However, as the sounds became louder, Evelyn cursed under her breath as she blew out the single candle in the room and ducked behind a table. Now, the only light in the room was the small blue flames that came from the burners. Not enough to give away her position.

Cold wood pressed up against Evelyn’s back as she held the shield close to her chest. Finally able to get a close look at it, Evelyn found that it had a crest in the center was this Jekyll's family crest or was this a gift from someone? Victoria said that Jekyll had a way of getting interesting items, maybe this was one of them.

Her hand gripped the wood and steel of the shield as she heard the sound of a door creaking open. Except, this was not the door she just came in from. No, it came from the other direction. Her eyes widened at the surprise of the door being opened and knew she would have to change hiding spots. As footsteps were heard coming into the room Evelyn crawled to a more advantageous position. Her eyes using the reflection of a glass container to see the person. A man, middle-aged wearing a dark coloured suit, blue perhaps. The body was thin and face was androgynous. They were not looking around the room, instead their eyes were fixed on the door Evelyn came in from. They waited in deafening silence as they held an envelope behind their back. They looked completely calm despite the noise of fighting getting louder and louder as it got presumably closer.

Then, the doors bash open, except Evelyn did not see who it was but assumed the worse as she sat quietly. She may have been prepared for one, but not more than that. Did they kill Isaac, she worried.

Doors slammed shut and Evelyn could hear some banging against the doors. Her eyes flickered back to the man who stepped closer. The man grinned, “ah, I was told you were rather good but to defeat all of them…” the man trailed off as he approached whoever just entered the door. He then brought the small envelope in front of him. He extended his hand to the person with the letter. “I was told by a Miss.Balton to give this to you. Yet, I do not know how she knew you would come up here.”

 

[Ninja]

Isaac moved quickly from the closed door behind him to a coat of arms a little further down the corridor, giving it's oddly shaped and much larger helm a passing glance before grabbing the spear and using it to barricade the door. Satisfied the door was holding fast at least for the time being he turned to make his way down the long candle lit corridor. The carpet gave his feet a little bounce as he strode quietly along it, he crept towards the sound of conversation, he was certain it wasn't Evelyn but the voices were almost certainly female. A loud bang made him turn his head back towards the start of the corridor, his blade swinging around instinctively as once more a thud erupted. Isaac could see the door that he had barricaded visibly move, no doubt trying to break it down, yet he could still here voices behind the door he was now stood behind.

Thud once more, follow by the sound of splinting wood, Isaac moved quickly shoulder battering open the door into a well lit room. Instantly the screaming sounds of women began to pierce Isaac's ears, his sword swinging around before he realised why they were screaming.

"OH! I am..."

Isaac immediately turned back to the door, having walked in on several maids in various stages of getting dressed, the sudden embarrassment in Isaac's voice as items of clothing and a shoe flew through the air at him.

"My sincerest apologies ladies, I..." His words were cut off as he rushed back into the corridor, the sound of the door being smashed down and men shouting as they fought amongst themselves to squeeze through the broken gap.

"Ah, not good." Isaac was quickly running down the corridor in the opposite direction as the first few men, having almost thrown themselves through the gaps in the door, were now clear the debris to let rest in. Isaac rounded a corner into a strangely darkened part of the corridor, only a single candle lit at the far end next to a door. That all the other doors were in darkness was strange in itself, yet stranger still was that the flames appeared to be glowing red. The sound of commotion some distance behind him quickly made up his mind as he sprinted towards and threw the doorway.

The room was dimly lit, yet Isaac's immediate focus was on the strangely heavy door behind him. He quickly looked around, searching desperately for something in which to barricade it yet nothing immediately sprung out at him. Instead he turned back to it, sword in hand looking at the handle, pondering whether he could jar it somehow to keep it closed, before realising there was a key, sat neatly within the lock. 'Okay' Isaac thought to himself before slowly turning the key. There was an odd thud as the sound of bolts locking into place sprung through the door, Isaac ran his hand along the metal reinforced frame, letting out a quiet whistle to himself as the sound of more banging erupted from the other side. He stepped back slightly before bringing his blade whistling around as it sliced through the air, he had heard someone take a step behind him before the man had even spoke.

“ah, I was told you were rather good but to defeat all of them…”

Isaac said nothing, the tip of his blade still pointed towards the finely dressed individual, a hair piece with rolls on either side framing the mans bland narrow face. His hand slowly went into his coat, Isaac responded by lifting the blade point up further, if he had to he would be on the man in seconds, yet his hand returned showing only a letter.

“I was told by a Miss.Balton to give this to you. Yet, I do not know how she knew you would come up here.”

The sound of the woman's name did not offer Isaac much in the way of comfort, he suspected she had her own agenda and this was certainly doing nothing to aid his suspicions. He looked around the room slowly, his instincts were telling him they were in someone else's presence as his eyes returned to the man.

"You can tell your companion to come out of hiding, slowly."

The man seemed genuinely puzzled, something that wasn't lost on Isaac.

"Well if they aren't with you..." He slowly peered into the dark shadows of the room, his blade following his gaze, he stepped towards something, the coppery red glowing slightly in the candle light. His lips began to curl as the realisation began to set in.

"Evelyn.."
"I assure you I..." The man seemed to look positively worried as Isaac gave him a glare.

"Shush I'm not talking to you. Evelyn, is that you?"

 

[Olive Tome]

Evelyn sat patiently as she listened to the exchange. The second voice spoke up and Evelyn knew it belonged to Isaac. A warm smile crossed her pale features for only a moment as she continued listening. Balton’s name left a sour taste in Evelyn’s mouth. Whatever that woman wanted could not be good. It would appear to Evelyn that Miss.Balton could not keep herself away from Isaac, that may have to be fixed at a later time, Evelyn noted mentally as she watched the reflection.

Soon a little shock ran through her veins. Isaac acknowledged that someone else was in the room. The shock froze her heart as she peered through the reflection, he was looking her way. Please do not give away my position, she begged in her mind to no avail as he soon spoke her name. Her eyes closed for a second as she inhaled a breath. Her cover was up and was bothered. Possibly from the fact, he exposed her but more likely to the creepiness of him just knowing where she was. Did the mirror give her location away? Possibly but it seemed he knew before looking around.

Possibly the redhead was just horrible at hiding, which only lowered her opinion of herself further.

Exhaling, Evelyn jumped to her feet and slammed the shield onto the desk, creating a loud bang. “Indeed it is me.” She smirked as she saw the other man jump at her appearing from seemingly out of nowhere. Good, but she had no time for this man. A friend of Ms.Balton I see?” Evelyn tilted her head slightly towards the man with curls. Her eyes doe-like with a small smile on her face.

The man was stiff as a board as he looked at her. He then lifted his chin high to look down at her before turning his attention to Isaac. “The letter states that you are to meet with a man at a small church on the south border of the town. I believe it is called Church of Saint Germain.”

Evelyn only smiled more as she made her way to the desk while dragging the shield off of the table. It making a low but drawn out screech as it went across the length of the desk before dropping off and down to the Huntress’ side. The man looked at her irritated before continuing to talk. “She said for you to go this Sunday the break of dawn. He will be there waiting for you.”

At this point, the woman was behind him to his right. “Sounds like we’re going to church then.”

The man glared over his shoulder. He spoke as fast as his mind would let him, “Miss.Balton has said that he needs to go alone and not bring friends. This man gets nervous when too many strangers show up.” He spoke dully as he turned back to Isaac. Evelyn smirked at him and playfully looked down at her nails in a bored fashion as she made up her mind on what to do.

“Any question-”

Evelyn swung the shield with both hands and hit the man on the side of the head. A loud thud erupted as the shield and head connected. White knuckles gripped the shield as to make sure it did not slip out of her hands as it was in the air. The man collapsed to the ground, one look could tell he was still breathing. Evelyn felt no remorse as time was of the essences. Men would search the place and Evelyn just wanted to go home and sleep for the first time in a while. “About bloody time he shut up,” she joked as to let the shield drop back down to her side.

“Hope you did not miss me too much.”

 

[Ninja]

There are moments in ones life where everything you thought you knew can come crashing down around you, perhaps a fleeting moment, a moment of sudden crystal clear clarity that makes one question that what they once held dear to them. One such event had just occurred to Isaac, a sudden realisation as he watched Evelyn put down the man with a single violent act. He watched as the man fell backwards, impacting hard against a side desk, the many assortments of glass vile's and beakers tumbling and breaking dispatching glass shards and various liquids around as the man now lay slumped across the floor. There was an odd stench in the air, perhaps from the many liquids dripping to the floor, some of which dripping over the figure as it twitched slightly but Isaac's focus was now squarely on Evelyn.

'Could it be that I have underestimated this woman' Isaac pondered to himself for a moment as he studied the look in her eyes, an odd look of satisfaction within them. This man had posed no threat, yet he could not deny the sense of satisfaction he too had felt at Evelyn hitting him, 'perhaps' he thought to himself 'she is becoming a bad influence on you'. The idea seemed to bring him amusement as a smile spread across his face.

"I am extremely pleased to see that you are okay." He looked down at the man laying unconscious briefly before returning his eyes to her "I see now that my worry for your safety was misplaced."

He stepped past her towards another side door, testing the handle slowly to see if it would move before edging it open to look into yet another winding corridor. Satisfied it was clear and with the sound of banging intensifying on the door he had used to enter previously, he gestured to Evelyn.

"I do believe we may have outstayed our welcome, shall we depart while the night is still young?"

 

[Olive Tome]

There was silence between them for a moment. Evelyn pulled her eyes from the man she just attacked to Isaac expecting disapproval in his eyes. Yet, there seemed to be something else in them as they kept eye contact. His eyes flickered from her to the unconscious guy and then focusing back on her as a small smile appeared on his lips. The redhead relaxed inwardly knowing she would not get the riot act for what had just happened. Knowing she would not get the riot act may have been relaxing but the way their eyes connected and lingered longer than they should have made Evelyn question it. Why was he looking at her like that?

No time was given to contemplate her question as her mind snapped back to reality as she watched him walk towards the door and a moment later he looked back at her, saying that they should be leaving. Evelyn nodded and tried not to sniff the noxious smell that must have come from one of the broken bottles.

“Indeed we should get going. Although I must say, this has been an extremely boring party. I never got to try the drinks or food or even dance,” she spoke bitterly with memories of Victoria’s torturous dance lessons. She looked back at the body for a split second, “Oh well,” she looked back at Isaac as she begun to walk over to him. “At least the finale was fun.”

Her hand rested on the wood of the door before gently pushing it open with a small creaking sound emitting from it. She looked out both ways, sounds coming from the left, getting more distant and no sounds from the right. Evelyn’s instincts told her to go right, away from the sounds. It was only logical. “I believe our right is clear, for now.” She added before opening the door more and stepping into the dark hall. The candles on the walls lit but the flame not castling far from its origins, or was that possibly an effect of Evelyn’s tired eyes? Either way, Evelyn began to make her way down the right side of the hallway, occasionally looking back to see if Isaac was there.

 

[Ninja]

Isaac followed her into the hallway, the little flickers of candle light casting walking shadows along the walls and ceiling. He couldn't help but notice the decor was not like that of the rest of the house, here it seemed darker, more menacing, from the dark red carpet to the large pictures depicting bloody battles and sinister scenes. He stuck closely behind Evelyn as she moved slowly along, looking for some way to escape while the noises faded behind them. He looked down to the envelope in his hand, letting his finger slide through the wax seal before slowly removing the letter within, he read it quickly while she led the way.

'My dearest Isaac'

His eyes rolled at the very first line before pushing on to read the rest.

'I am deeply disappointed that we did not have the pleasure of sharing the warmth of a dance together, I am certain you would of enjoyed it as much as I would. Perhaps when you are rid of that cheap hornswoggler, that horrid excuse for a woman, we could hope to do such things again.'

Isaac's eyes lifted to the back of Evelyn's head, he was certainly glad she was otherwise distracted, checking darkened corners, the rage would likely not be pleasant for anyone near by. He continued to read.

'But I digress, I promised you information and I shall uphold my end of the bargain'

Isaac paused for a moment, failing to recall any verbal bargain he may of made with this woman, before continuing.

'There is a man you must meet by the name of Vlad Tepes, he holds information you may find valuable in your endeavours. He does not know of your arrival but for a short time you will find him at the church of Saint Germain, he has shall we say an unhealthy appetite for those who bear the cross and likes to reside there during the day. He will arrive there at the break of dawn, I suggest you do not miss this opportunity as he will likely be returning home sometime later.

Until we meet again'

Isaac almost bumped into Evelyn who had suddenly stopped and turned to look at him, he paused for a moment, letting a little cough out before sliding the envelope into his jacket.

"Nothing important" He said quickly, sensing that her curiosity was growing. "The letter erm, Well it say's as the man said" He lowered his voice a little before quickly saying "well, pretty much..."
His voice suddenly raised in tone and pitch.
"Anyway..."
He said as he quickly looked about and behind him, he didn't recognise any of the hall, they must of moved some distance. He looked over her shoulder to the window leading out onto an outside balcony.
"Ah excellent, shall we use that to escape?"

 

[Olive Tome]

Tired, silver eyes peered at every darkened corner and ears holding onto every sound that dared pass them. Evelyn was on the lookout for any sign of life besides Isaac and herself. Her breath slow as she made her way down each hallway that was barely lit by the dying candlelight. Their luck appeared, so far anyway, to be on their side as there were no other souls around. Good. It was the last thing the redhead wanted: another fight in the damn dress. Tired as she may be, she would put up the necessary fighting, but that did not mean she wished it.

However, it appears that someone else did not have the focus at that current moment. Isaac looked down at the letter, a perfect opportunity for someone to strike from behind. It was irksome to see his eyes plastered on the letter while she did all the cautious work.

What irked Evelyn more, though, was what he said when he came back to reality. Lies slipped off his tongue as Evelyn watched him struggle to find his words. Her face stayed expressionless but inside she felt different. Angry? Yes, that was a given and despite popular opinion sometimes she could control it. No, what she felt instead was disappointment and frustration. Her mind fluttered back to the carriage ride and how she was lectured for not trusting him. Evelyn had made a point to mention him not sharing information, it would appear he had not learned - or maybe cared - of her thoughts. Whatever it was in that letter, it must have been important, and shockingly, Evelyn was going to squash her curiosity this one time to prove her trust in him.

On the other hand, Evelyn mentally noted this behaviour from Isaac as her eyes followed his over her shoulder. “Indeed, it appears to be our only option,” her voice only a whisper with no hint of emotion to them. The sooner the huntress got out of here the sooner she can get some much needed - and deserved - sleep.

Evelyn moved out onto the balcony and looked over the edge out onto the garden. Her pale hands resting on the cold stone at first gently and then gripping the stone as she lifted one leg over the ledge followed by the other. The redhead craned her neck over her shoulder to look at the ground as she was now facing Isaac. The fall was not that far and there was grass below them. A simple roll would suffice in Evelyn’s mind. Her bare feet only having a little room to rest on the outer part of the ledge, the coldness of the stone reminding her of her situation. Evelyn focused back on Isaac, many emotions momentary overcoming her just by simply gazing at him. “Do try not to be distracted and keep up.”

With that she let her feet hang off the ledge as she used her arms to lower herself until she gripped the lower ledge with only her fingers, her body hanging as she took a deep breath and let go. A rush overcame her as she fell towards the ground and as soon as she felt her feet touch she bent her knees and moved forward in a roll to lessen the impact of the fall. Evelyn could no longer see Isaac as she rolled under the balcony, but once recovered she made her way back out towards the garden and looked at the freshly cut hedges before making her way further out, knowing Isaac would keep up.

Home here I come.